American Express has won approval for a clearing and settlement license from the Chinese central bank, allowing it to become the first foreign card scheme to be granted direct access to China’s bank card market. read more

Australia is ramping up its commitment to the Pacific, with Prime Minister Scott Morrison promising to set up a A$2 billion infrastructure bank to issue grants and long-term loans for "high priority" projects. read more

Two northern NSW mutuals, Regional Australia Bank and Holiday Coast Credit Union, are in merger discussions, aiming to create a financial services player with assets of more than A$2 billion. read more

The slowdown in demand for housing and business credit appears to be eroding growth prospects at Suncorp after the bank revealed a modest expansion in lending activity in the September quarter. read more

The CEO of Bendigo and Adelaide Bank, Marnie Baker, joins the already anticipated cast of characters scheduled to appear at the seventh round of public hearings of the financial services royal commission later this month. read more